Sailing is one of the perfect ways to travel the world. The sun, the sea, and the gorgeous views surrounding you. Greece is known for being one of the perfect destinations for boat lovers, but there are plenty of other great locations around the world. When it comes to creating your perfect sailing vacation, there is a lot of thought that needs to be put into it. This can include looking into the right vacation, the right season, what you need, and most importantly the right luxury yachts and catamarans for charter in Greece in 2022.
You’ll want to get everything just right if you’re looking to have that perfect sailing vacation. One of the beauties of charters is the fact that this can be a very affordable way to have your sailing trip. There’s no need to worry about buying a boat, no need to worry about moving that boat long distances, and this can be a very luxurious but affordable option as well. With that said, these are the best tips for having an unforgettable sailing vacation!
Think about the boating situation
So there are a few options you can have if you’re a sailor at heart. There’s the option of looking for a reliable charter, as this is a great worry-free method to getting a luxurious yacht or another kind of boat that could be used. Alternatively, if you do own a boat, you could try and find a way to move that to the destination that you’re traveling to but you need to keep in mind that you may run the risk of taxes or import fees. It’s a lot easier and possibly even stress-free to opt into using a charter service instead, especially if you’re thinking of going to another part of the world.
Prepare the itinerary
For all you boat lovers out there, it’s important to plan an itinerary. While everything doesn’t need to have an exact schedule such as where you’re selling, what time you wake up, or anything like that, all trips should have a general scheme. If you’re using a chartering service, they usually take out all of the guesswork for you.
Think about accommodation
Some luxury yachts will have bedrooms, even charter services tend to offer these types of yachts as well. So think about exactly what you had in mind. Are you wanting to have all of your accommodation on a boat or are you also wanting to mix it up by staying somewhere such as the Four Seasons? Getting a general idea of what you’re wanting out of your accommodation is going to help, as this is one of the most important aspects of a vacation. Just know that you do have the option of mixing it up where you can sleep on land some nights and other nights on a boat. Plus, this gives you the chance to get two vacationing experiences all in one.
Choose your luggage wisely
Whether you’re a light or heavy packer, you’re going to want to keep an eye on your luggage. When it comes to some boats, the storage is going to be fairly limited, so this means that it may be ideal to skip out on bringing your large suitcases and bring some hand luggage instead. Soft-sided luggage may be perfect to tag along as the hard-covered suitcases tend to cause damage to the delicate decks on the ship. Soft-sided luggage is best as it doesn’t cause any damage, plus it’s significantly easier to stow away and unpack while you’re on board the yacht.
Pack the right clothing
This may be a simple tip but you may be surprised how forgettable it can be. You should periodically look at the weather and temperatures of your destination before arriving. This is going to give you an idea of how hot or cold it’s going to be in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. There’s a very high chance you’re going to want to swim as well during your sailing vacation. So make sure to pack a couple, and maybe even a couple of pairs of shoes such as your regular walking shoes and even some flip flops.
Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Since most sailing vacations are in the summer or spring, as this is the time when the waves are a lot calmer, then there is a chance that you’re going to soak up a lot of sun rays. This is especially prevalent if you’re going to be in warmer climates such as southern Europe. You certainly shouldn’t forget to bring some sunscreen, whether you’re packing it yourself from home or you plan to buy it at a pharmacy at your destination. Just keep in mind that sunscreen may be more difficult to find in some countries, so it’s highly recommended that you do some research to ensure that you can get sunscreen in the area you’re traveling to.
Make a playlist
Most luxury yachts will be equipped with speakers, so you can play some of your favorite songs while you’re off sailing into the sunset. Maybe pick some songs that are boat-themed or maybe even play some good ol’ Yacht Rock music such as the Beach Boys or Hall & Oates.
Stay hydrated
In the summer months, it gets pretty hot thanks to the sun. There’s no escaping the sun, even if you’re on a boat. The summer heat is so strong and there’s a chance that you could get dehydrated without even realizing it. It’s very important to stay hydrated. While it’s fine to sip some alcohol every now and then, you should try your best to consume one to two litres of water per day. Yachts usually have plumbing but it’s also important to pack plenty of water with you before the sailing trip begins, sometimes charters will take care of this for you but it’s best to check.
Keep a close eye on your phone and other belongings
One major way to ruin any perfect vacation would be by accidently dropping your personal belongings into the water and having no way to retrieve them. Whether you’re sailing or the ship is anchored, you’re going to want to protect your personal belongings such as your phone, especially if you’re on deck. While it may be tempting to get close to the edge so you can get some nice shots, you’ll need to proceed with caution. Keep your belongings in the cabin or at least protect your items (like your phone) with something waterproof like a waterproof case.
Don’t forget the toys!
Floaties, paddles, boards, and more. You can expect some charters to offer these, nearby shops renting them out, or you can simply just pack your own. There’s nothing like taking a nice dip into the bright blue waters next to your yacht while staying in complete bliss. One of the beauties of getting to have a sailing vacation is all about getting into the water, so that’s something that you definitely shouldn’t skip out on.
Stay connected
Whether it’s mobile data or WIFI, it always helps to stay connected, not just for keeping in touch with friends and family but to also keep yourself safe if anything potentially goes wrong. Some charters will have WIFI routers on their yachts that guests can easily connect to. But it’s important to not just assume that it’s going to be provided, instead, make sure to ask your charter about this. But you can also hunt around for portable WIFI routers to stay connected or even check with your mobile data provider to see if there is a special data plan while you’re on your vacation.
Stay open to being flexible
While there are plenty of destinations, such as Greece, that are constantly full of sunshine, it’s also important to understand that the weather can change. The wind patterns and the weather are going to heavily influence the sea and waves. You’re going to want to have a smooth and safe sailing trip but in order to have that, the sea needs to be calm. There is always going to be a chance that you may have to resort to changing your itinerary due to the weather and the waves. While this may sound like a bummer, it doesn’t have to be.
One of the beauties of traveling by boat may be the sea, but there are plenty of things to see and do on land as well. Plus, you’re going to get that incredible cultural experience when you’re traveling by land as well. It gives you the opportunity to try delicious foods, meet new people, and see beautiful sights that you wouldn’t see if you were only going to be on a boat the entire time. Just make sure that your schedule has some flexibility in the chance that you have to go back to land for a couple of days.
Don’t be afraid to pack some useful extras
What are some things that you always try to pack with you on a trip? These items may most likely come in handy during your sailing vacation as well. This can include bug repellent, pain killers, anti-nausea medicine, creams, chargers, and anything else that could come in handy for you.